Patil panel to facilitate Shivaji statue at sea

MUMBAI: Eight years after it was first announced by the Maharashtra government, the process of erecting a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji in the sea off Marine Drive has been revived. Under pressure from the Maratha lobby, the state government on Thursday announced a high-powered committee to facilitate the process of obtaining NOCs for the 309-ft statue. The one-man committee will be headed by NCP leader and finance minister Jayant Patil. It will submit its report in two months.

Another committee was appointed under senior Congress leader and industries minister Narayan Rane to look into the issue of Maratha reservation. The panel will submit its report in three months.

Patil will coordinate with various departments concerned with the project. It is believed as many as 47 permits from various departments, including those at the centre, would be required to start the statue project. As of now, three permissions have been obtained. "One of the major concerns is the proposed reclamation in the sea for which the central environment department is likely to take an objection," said a senior minister, adding that if the committee finds the existing location unsuitable, alternatives would be considered. This would include the Worli dairy plot and a mill land at Central Mumbai.

The project first found a mention in the joint manifesto announced by the Congress-NCP in 2004. In 2008, a consultant was appointed when the government shortlisted the design of a consortium of Team One architects and Bangkok-based Bensley Design Studio following a competition. But that was soon called off due to technical glitches. There has not been much progress since. It has been mired in controversy due to various reasons, including location and need for environment clearances from the Centre. The proposal to set up the statue on an island off Marine Drive is likely to cost the state over Rs300 crore.

"The state has already allotted land for the Ambedkar memorial at Indu Mill. It is about time the government fulfils it promise for erecting this statue," said a senior Maratha leader.